Republic FC follows up triumph over MLS team with 2-1 home win

FILE - The Tower Bridge Battalion react to a goal during a match between the Sacramento Republic FC and the Orange County SC at Papa Murphy’s Park on Saturday, April 1, 2017. Republic FC defeated Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 by a 2-1 final on Saturday, June 17, 2017. Randall Bentonrbenton@sacbee.com

FILE - The Tower Bridge Battalion react to a goal during a match between the Sacramento Republic FC and the Orange County SC at Papa Murphy’s Park on Saturday, April 1, 2017. Republic FC defeated Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 by a 2-1 final on Saturday, June 17, 2017. Randall Bentonrbenton@sacbee.com

Building momentum from Wednesday’s victory over a Major League Soccer opponent, Republic FC came back from an early 1-0 hole Saturday night for a 2-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 at Papa Murphy’s Park.

The win improved Republic FC to 5-6-3 in United Soccer League play, currently fifth place in the Western Conference standings. Vancouver dropped to 4-7-2.

Sacramento made history when it beat Real Salt Lake, an MLS team, by a 4-1 final Wednesday to advance to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup’s fifth round for the first time ever. Republic FC will face LA Galaxy in the Round of 16 at 8 p.m. June 28, three days after facing Galaxy II in a USL match.

Conditions weren’t ideal Saturday for fans and players alike, as temperatures in Sacramento stayed in the high 90s for much of the match. Still, some photos and videos on Twitter suggest decent fan turnout.

Republic FC will remain at home for its next match, hosting Rio Grande Valley FC at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Those headed to Papa Murphy’s Park, stay hydrated – Sacramento could reach a high of 105 degrees that day.